Tourism in Israel

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Tourism in Israel includes a rich variety of historical and religious sites in the Holy Land, as well as modern beach resorts, archaeological tourism, heritage tourism and ecotourism. Israel has the highest number of museums per capital in the world. In 2008, over 2.3 million foreign tourists have visited the country.^[1] The largest groups of tourists visit from the United States, Russia, France, and the United Kingdom.[1]

[edit] Historical, religious and cultural sites

Jerusalem

The capital and largest city of Israel. The holiest city in Judaism, the ancient capital of the United Monarchy and then of the Kingdom of Judah. The site of the Temples in Jerusalem. See Western Wall
The four quarters of the Old City
The site of some of Jesus's teaching and entombment; Christians believe he was crucified on a nearby hill, Golgotha.
(Islam). Dome of the Rock, Al-Aqsa Mosque
City of David, including Hezekiah's Tunnel
List of places in Jerusalem

Tel Aviv

The city's metropolitan area is the largest with 3 million inhabitants. It is Israel's second-largest city and its cosmopolitan, cultural and financial center.

Golan Heights

Hermon mountain. Skiing during the winter.
Archaeology in Katzrin, Gamla, Nimrod Fortress, Gilgal Refaim

Safed

A holy city in Judaism, where much of the Jerusalem Talmud was written and kabbalah (Jewish mysticism) was developed. Famous for its artisans.

Acre

(Bahá'í) Shrine of Bahá'u'lláh, resting place of Bahá'u'lláh.

Haifa

Carmel
(Bahá'í) Shrine of the Báb, its associated terraces, and the Bahá'í World Centre and the buildings.

Tiberias

A holy city in Judaism, on west bank of the freshwater Sea of Gallilee.
Saint Peter’s house and the Mount of Beatitudes.

Nazareth

Jesus's hometown and site of many of his acts and miracles

Bet She'an

One of the largest archaeological sites in the Middle East.

Bethlehem

Burial place of the matriarch Rachel and birthplace of King David.
Birthplace of Jesus

Please note that Bethlehem is not in the State of Israel but is under the control of the Palestinian Authority and almost surrounded by an 8-meter high wall, The Separation Barrier. Visitors from Israel will pass through a checkpoint and are required to show their passports.

Hebron

The second-holiest city in Judaism and the place where the Tomb of the Patriarchs and Matriarchs is located. According to Jewish tradition, this is the burial place of the great patriarchs (Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob) and matriarchs (Sarah, Rebecca, and Leah). The capital of the Kingdom of Israel before David moved it to Jerusalem.

Please note that Hebron is not in the State of Israel but is mostly under the control of the Palestinian Authority, except for a small area where Israeli citizens live. Visitors from Israel will pass through a checkpoint and may be required to show their passports. Travel to hebron enatils leaving the State of Israel and passing through the West Bank.

Masada

Masada became famous for its significance in the First Jewish-Roman War (Great Jewish Revolt), when a siege of the fortress by troops of the Roman Empire led to a mass suicide of the site's Jewish defenders when defeat became imminent.

Beersheba

Its settlement attributed to the patriarch Abraham. Regional capital of the Negev desert.

Eilat

Southernmost city. Year-round vacation destination.

Kibbutzim

A network of once Socialist communes which dot the countryside. They are currently undergoing a process of modernization and re-organization. Well known in Israel for great contributions to Israeli history, politics, army, and Zionism.

Caesarea

The old city includes Roman and Crusader ruins, such as the amphitheatre (where concerts are frequently held), as well as the harbor from which St. Paul was taken as a prisoner to Rome.
The grassy golf club and villas are newly developed in this coastal city, which has become increasing popular to tourists.